4 black hematite tumbled stones / medium

Hematite is a striking and powerful mineral known for its metallic luster, deep color, and wide range of uses—from industrial applications to spiritual healing. Here’s everything you need to know about this fascinating stone:
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### **1. Basic Properties of Hematite**  
- **Chemical Formula:** Fe₂O₃ (Iron Oxide)  
- **Hardness:** 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale (moderately hard but brittle)  
- **Color:** Steel-gray to black (sometimes reddish-brown in earthy forms)  
- **Luster:** Metallic to dull (depending on form)  
- **Streak:** Reddish-brown (a key identifier—when scratched, it leaves a rust-colored streak)  
- **Crystal System:** Trigonal (often forms tabular or rhombohedral crystals)  
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### **2. Types & Forms of Hematite**  
- **Specular Hematite:** Shiny, mirror-like crystals ("specular" means reflective).  
- **Botryoidal Hematite:** Rounded, bubble-like formations.  
- **Oolitic Hematite:** Composed of tiny, egg-shaped spheres.  
- **Kidney Ore:** Reniform (kidney-shaped) masses.  
- **Earthy Hematite:** Dull, red-brown, powdery form (common in pigments).  
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### **3. Where is Hematite Found?**  
Major deposits exist in:  
- **Brazil** (large, high-quality crystals)  
- **Australia** (iron ore production)  
- **China**  
- **United States** (Minnesota, Michigan—"Iron Range")  
- **South Africa**  
- **Venezuela**  
- **United Kingdom** (Cumberland)  
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### **4. Industrial & Historical Uses**  
- **Iron Production:** The primary ore of iron (steelmaking accounts for ~98% of hematite mining).  
- **Pigments:** Crushed into red ochre for paints, dyes, and cosmetics since ancient times (cave paintings, Roman frescoes).  
- **Radiation Shielding:** Used in some medical and scientific equipment due to its density.  
- **Jewelry & Decor:** Polished into beads, cabochons, and sculptures (often paired with silver).  
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### **5. Metaphysical & Healing Properties (Belief-Based)**  
Hematite is nicknamed the "Stone of the Mind" for its grounding and protective qualities:  
- **Grounding & Stability:** Believed to anchor energy to the Earth, reducing stress and anxiety.  
- **Protection:** Said to absorb negative energy and deflect electromagnetic smog (popular for EMF protection).  
- **Focus & Clarity:** Thought to enhance concentration, memory, and logical thinking.  
- **Blood Circulation:** In folklore, it’s associated with improving blood flow and vitality (linked to its iron content).  
- **Chakra:** Root Chakra (for grounding and survival instincts).  
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### **6. Hematite in Jewelry & Care Tips**  
- **Popular Designs:** Beaded bracelets, rings, pendants, and men’s jewelry (often faceted or polished).  
- **Durability:** Moderate—avoid harsh impacts (can chip or crack).  
- **Cleaning:** Use a soft cloth; avoid water (can rust over time) and chemicals.  
- **Caution:** Some "hematite" jewelry is actually synthetic or hematine (a man-made magnetic material).  
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### **7. Fun Facts About Hematite**  
- The name comes from the Greek *haima* ("blood") due to its red streak.  
- Mars’ reddish appearance is caused by iron oxide (hematite dust) on its surface.  
- Ancient warriors rubbed hematite on their bodies for protection in battle.  
- Hematite was carved into seals and amulets in Babylonian and Egyptian cultures.  
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### **Is Hematite Magnetic?**  
Pure hematite is **not magnetic**, but some forms (like *martite*) may show weak magnetism due to impurities. Beware of "magnetic hematite" sold in shops—it’s often hematine (a manufactured material).